Businesses across East Sussex were today warning of impending disaster for tourism thanks to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

As the number of cases nationwide rose to 183 today, tourism bosses in the county said precautions against the disease were wreaking havoc with trade.

And many warned that if the crisis persists, traders could go under.

Fred Cubbage, managing director of the South East Tourist Board, said tourism was vital for many parts of Sussex.

Mr Cubbage said cancellations, especially in rural area, were already being reported and he feared for the future of some bed and breakfast businesses and hotels.

Public footpaths over farmland have been closed and the popular South Downs Way national trail is out-of-bounds.

Hailsham Farmers' Market has been cancelled this month.

Co-organiser Janet Dann said: "Although the nearest outbreak to us is in north Kent, farmers and producers are all on tenterhooks.

"East Sussex is a very rural area and if it does reach here then the effects would be devastating."

Drusillas Zoo Park at Alfriston, near Polegate, has lost thousands of pounds in trade after being forced to close its doors to up to 500 visitors a day.

A spokeswoman said: "Basically, our income has stopped dead. We are right in the middle of rural East Sussex with around 300 cattle in surrounding farmland so we are particularly susceptible."

A management meeting is being held on Thursday with a view to reopening the popular attraction at the weekend.

But the spokeswoman added: "We are looking at the position every day and while it does not look very positive at the moment we are looking at a possible weekend reopening."

Restrictions on public access have been imposed on farmland around Belle Tout and Beachy Head, with part of Birling Gap also affected.

Lewes District Council has stopped people from going on Seaford Head, and closed the golf club yesterday.

Meanwhile, East Sussex County Council has publicly thanked people for heeding advice not to venture into the countryside.

Rangers who are patrolling the popular countryside walks report that people are staying away following the closure of the county's 2,000-mile footpath network.

Nigel Kitchener, the council's rights of way and countryside manager, said: "We are taking every precaution to keep this disease out of the county and local people are doing what they can to help.

"But it's important to keep repeating the message for people not to walk or ride in the countryside."